Wes Cantrell demonstrated successful leadership throughout his long career with Lanier Worldwide, Inc. Cantrell began his career in repair service with Lanier and quickly moved up the career ladder. With proven expertise in many areas of sale management and organizational development, Cantrell was named President and CEO of Lanier in 1987. During his 14 years as CEO of the company, Cantrell maintained an excellent track record of growing revenues, acquiring and integrating new companies, and achieving best in industry customer satisfaction ratings. He is also an honored recipient of the Horatio Alger Award.

Cantrell says that his Christian faith has guided his success in business and in life. He advises adopting biblical principles to govern daily life. Wes and his wife, Bernadine, have been married for 50 years and have four children and 22 grandchildren. They are members of First Baptist Church of Woodstock. Currently, Wes serves on the Board of Directors of Piedmont Office Real Estate Trust and as Chairman of the Board of Southern Polytechnic State University Foundation. He also served for over 10 years on the Board of Directors of Ann Taylor Stores.

In Cantrell's latest book, From the Shop Floor to the Top Floor, he attempts to answer the question he is asked so frequently: "How did you start as a repairman and make it all the way to CEO of the same company?"